Tonight marks a special occasion. It is both a time of celebration and remembrance in equal measure; it signals the end of an era, while at the same time opens new doors to a new and exciting future ahead of Aberdare’s Reaper In Sicily, who for this one-off show, are performing their début album “Islands” in its entirety for the first and last time. However it’s also the last show they shall be playing with Damon Miles, who is not only their drummer, but good friend too, and the event, despite feeling like a victory lap for this chapter of the bands career, is tinged with a sense of loss. Nevertheless, RIS aren't prepared to dwell in any sorrow; they are here to rock, and to help them they have enlisted the help of two superb support bands, making for one hell of a night. First on stage, is a young band from Pontypridd by the name of CLEAR THE AUDITORIUM [8], who, with a brilliant blend of electronically infused dance-rock get things off to a flying start. Inspired by artists such as ENTER SHIKARI, front man Dafydd Richards looks like a seasoned veteran on stage, in control of the microphone whilst keeping in time with the samples and dub-infused beats. With songs such as “Outbreak” and “Eye For An Eye”, and new material off the forthcoming EP “The Final Broadcast” sounding tight, this band know how to get a party started, and do so in style. Next up are special guests A WORLD DEFINED [7] who have travelled all the way from Derby for tonight’s show in The Moon Club, Cardiff, at the request of RIS. Having shared stages in the past, AWD duly obliged to be part of this commemorative occasion and played a great set, aided by the release of a brand new EP by the name of “In Absence”, this English five-piece won some new fans on their travels tonight with tracks such as “June” and “The Void” and are definitely welcome again. Lastly then, and by no means least, it’s time for REAPER IN SICILY [8] to take the stage, and take this intimate crowd through a journey of nostalgia, from the intense build-up of tracks such as set-opener “The Prisoner” to anthems such as “Down But Not Out” and “Boys Will Be Boys”, the whole album goes down a storm (including the tracks front-man Rhys John Bernardo is personally unhappy with) and there isn't an unsatisfied face in the venue by the time they reach “Chuck Norris Got A Chainsaw”. The ten tracks aren't quite enough however, and the boys finish up with a final flurry of older songs, ending with “We Are The Show”. As far as special occasions go, given that all three bands on tonight’s bill are unsigned, makes this all the more monumental. The support for young up and coming bands right now is incredibly strong, and it’s heart-warming to see. As far as send-off's go, Damon couldn't ask for a better one and whatever both he and the band decide to do next, they have the unquestioned backing of many fans. “Islands” may officially be done and dusted now, but just like the first single, it’s all about “Horizons” again from here on in, and what’s beyond the next one. Only time will tell.

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LIVE MUSIC

What's better than your favourite band releasing a brilliant album for you to listen to at home? Going to SEE that band perform those songs on a live stage...there's nothing like the feeling of a live gig. Here I'm going to share some of my experiences with you.